Solar and Net Metering

Looking for information about upcoming changes to solar billing? Click here!

As of March 6, 2023, we no longer require a solar production meter socket for solar installations.

We are excited to announce a new streamlined process for submitting and paying for electrical permits and new service applications. 

On March 18, we converted to Accela, the City of Tacoma’s enterprise permitting solution.  

Accela is your one-stop shop for permitting and inspection management. It is available 24/7 to apply for permits, check permit status, make secure online payments, and schedule/cancel/reschedule inspections. Registering for an account gives you access to additional features: 

  • Manage/view/print your permits 
  • Apply for permits and applications for new electrical services 
  • Check the status of your permits and applications 
  • Add your contractor license to an existing account 
  • Create delegates (permit other users to perform actions on your behalf) 

Setting up an account is easy! Visit CityofTacoma.org/Permits. 

If you have questions about a current permit or the upgrade, please contact us at 253-502-8277. 

To start net metering, complete the following: 

While we don’t recommend or endorse specific solar contractors, we do recommend getting at least three bids and checking references or customer reviews. For help finding an installer visit the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association website. To determine if solar is right for you, go to Solar Washington.

We no longer require a solar production meter as of March 6, 2023. If you already paid a meter fee with your electrical permit, we will still install a production meter. After March 6, you may choose to install a production meter socket, however you will be required to install a customer-owned meter into that socket in order to pass an electrical inspection.

Click here to view customer owned generation standards.

If you have questions, please email us or call 253-502-8363.

State Renewable Energy System Incentive Program

From 2005 until 2017, Washington State offered incentives for renewable energy generated from registered renewable energy systems under the Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Program (RECRIP.) In 2017, the legislature lowered incentive rates for renewable energy production in exchange for extending the program beyond 2020 under the Renewable Energy System Incentive Program (RESIP.) Homeowners with solar electric systems registered with the WSU Energy Program prior to February 2019 will continue to receive incentives based on the program in which they are registered. Click here for more information on the Renewable Energy System Incentive Program.

Homeowners who did not have or did not register their systems with the WSU Energy Program prior to February 2019 are not eligible for state production incentives. However, customers who purchased their solar system after July 1, 2019 are eligible for a tax exemption on all sales tax paid on the purchase and installation of their solar system.  They are also eligible for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in effect until 2021. Click here to learn more about the ITC.

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